Page 158 of Homecoming

Say the word, and we’ll be there. And congratulations. Feel a little sorry for the folks up there. They didn’t know what was about to hit them when Dan T. came to town.

LOL. Thanks, friend. Can’t wait to see everyone.

You’ve been missed around here.

That’s nice to hear. We’ve missed you guys, too.

He also texted Kendall to let her know he’d be returning soon, to update her on the successful outcome with Kara’s brothers and to thank her for covering for him.If you’re interested in continuing to work a bit, I can keep you busy. Got a baby arriving in a few short months, and I’ll take all the help I can get.

I’m around for anything you need and happy to stay busy. Congratulations on the brothers. Must be a big relief.

HUGE relief. I’ll touch base when we get back to the island.

Safe travels.

Walter pulled up to Bertha’s and parked in the driveway, leaving the engine running as he got out to shake Dan’s hand. “Been a real kick getting to know you, Counselor. Hope you’ll touch base the next time you’re up this way. I’ll buy you a lobster roll.”

“I’ll definitely take you up on that. Thank you for everything. You made it easier for me here, and I appreciate it.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, my friend. Keep in touch.”

“Will do.”

Dan waved as Walter drove off and then went inside to find his wife.

Bertha and Busterhad taken a rare day off for Bertha’s dreaded annual physical that she said was pointless because she felt fine, but she went because everyone who loved her made her do it.

Buster had appeared in the doorway to Kara’s room, while she was still in bed.

“Let’s fish.”

“Um, okay. Give me a minute to open my eyes.”

“Hurry up.”

She’d laughed at the brusque tone that’d been such a big part of her childhood memories. Buster had been one of her very best friends as a child, being as he was only ten years older than her and always around when she visited Bertha’s. He’d taught her to fish, to catch crabs, to repair traps and to tie all the fanciest knots.

They’d rarely exchanged a word because he preferred quiet to chatter, and she’d respected his boundaries on that, which had made her one of his favorite companions. Kelly, who’d been a certified blabbermouth as a child, didn’t cut it with Buster.

Kara had been ridiculously honored then to make his inner circle, and as she brushed her teeth and hair and washed her face, she couldn’t wait to spend time with him. It didn’t matter what they did, because it was always fun.

She pulled on yoga pants and Dan’s favorite Stanford sweatshirt before grabbing a granola bar and a bottle of water to take with her.

Ever since the IV at the hospital, she’d felt a thousand times better. That was good to know for future pregnancies if she was plagued by nonstop nausea again.

Future pregnancies… Ha! She needed to see how this delivery went before she thought about another baby. Truth be told, the delivery part of the program was terrifying to her. Not that she’d admitted that to anyone, even Dan. Women had been giving birth for centuries. She refused to make a big deal out of it. Besides, if that wimp Kelly could do it, she’d have no problem.

That thought made her chuckle to herself as she walked across the backyard to the water’s edge, where Buster had set them up with chairs and poles.

“Did you do the bait?”

He gave her a what-do-you-take-me-for look that made her laugh.

“Sorry.”

“Some things don’t change.”

“No, they don’t. Worms still freak me out.”

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